The small cow town of Arcadia, Florida had long neglected its airport. That began to change in 2012 when a group of volunteers formed “Friends of Arcadia Airport” or FOAA. They thought a new campground might attract fly-in visitors, but they weren’t sure where to begin since the City opposed the idea. FOAA turned to the RAF. Two RAF members flew in to visit with FOAA’s Board and a plan was hatched.

March 1-3

To the many of you who participated in our recent RAF Safety Survey, THANK YOU! Over 16% of you completed the survey, a huge response rate as these things go.

We thought all RAF members would appreciate hearing some of the main takeaways from our survey as they relate to our kind of flying. We also think you will appreciate receiving a safety checklist that in part grew out of your many member comments. But first, the results.

Fifteen aircraft arrived at Grand Gulch in northern Arizona for a cooperative work party on February 3, called by Utah Back County Pilots and the RAF. Arizona? Yes — there’s a bit of a canyon just south of this place, which makes the destination more logical for Utah pilots, since they avoid Grand Canyon Special Airspace. Galen Hanselman devoted seven pages on its fascinating history in Fly Utah.

After two jam-packed days meeting face to face in Bozeman, RAF's Board of Directors emerged with renewed energy to meet 2018 challenges. Bill McGlynn, who joined the RAF leadership in 2016 and focused on funding as Development Director, and last year as Secretary, was selected as our next president. Outgoing RAF President Alan Metzler had agreed to a one-year term, and we appreciate that he is willing to assume Secretary duties and continue on as chairman of the Real Estate Committee going forward.

Get ready for our next Backcountry Boutique item, which debuts on Monday, March 5. We can't spill the beans early, but will tell you that March's featured item is a very unique purchasing opportunity, with a twist!